Custom Bare Bones Cloud Storage Server PC Build

I’m sure you all remember the post we ran back in July about the setting up your own, personal wireless server to store, back up, and stream files like a cloud subscription. That article inspired us to run our own Custom Bare Bones Cloud Storage Server PC Build. This PC doesn’t need fancy (read: expensive) add on’s such as lots of RAM and video cards. Instead, the hdd should be the most expensive part. It’s really all about the hard drive. Well, that and having enough processor/RAM to upload/download your files quickly enough. This drive (1 TB) should be enough unless you plan on saving high def feature length movies. If that’s the case, consider springing a bit more money for a bigger drive. We also saved money by picking a case with the power supply built in. Remember, you aren’t going to playing around on this computer very much. It’s whole purpose is to act a your own private cloud server. You want something that won’t cost too much and won’t use very much electricity.

EDIT: We found this awesome, free file sharing tool here. This program was specifically designed with our computer design in mind!

We decided to exclude Windows 8 from the package here. You can include it if you want (for an additional $140!). The Homegroup/Network feature really makes file sharing a breeze between two Windows 7/8 PC’s which is nice. But, ultimately, it isn’t absolutely essential. Your server PC can just as easily run a free (and legal) copy of Linux. Don’t forget to set this computer next to the cable modem so that you can plug it directly in for the fastest internet speed!